Do you have a cat with allergies?
If your cat is struggling with allergies, we feel for you. It can be tough to find food that doesn't make them miserable. But don't worry, we're here to help.
In this article, we will discuss the three best cat foods for allergies. We'll also give you a sneak peek at our number one pick, which will WOW you!
We will also include our handy Buyer’s Guide with the most frequently asked questions about Cat Food for Allergies and our brilliant answers to them. Then we will reveal our top choice for the best of the best in Cat Food for Allergies and why. Let’s get started.
How we choose our WOW products
You love your cat, but you're not sure what to do about its constant allergies.
It's hard to see your cat suffer from allergies, especially when there seems to be no clear solution.
After reading through thousands of reviews on Amazon, we have found the best cat foods for allergies. This food is grain free and contains a limited number of ingredients, which helps reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction. Here are our top three choices.
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Adult Dry Cat Food
Best Overall Quality
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for a way to reduce your cat's allergens? Look no further than Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Adult Dry Cat Food.
This unique formula contains a key protein from eggs that neutralizes Fel D 1, a common allergen in cat saliva. As a result, it reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 percent starting in the third week of feeding.
Salmon is the first ingredient in this high-protein dry cat food, providing essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat. It is also fortified with probiotics for digestive health and comes in a 7 lb. bag.
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is a revolutionary cat food that has been backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, so you know it's a product you can trust. Not only will Purina Pro Plan LiveClear help improve your cat's overall health, but it can also change their life - and yours - for the better.
If you're looking for dry cat food that offers outstanding nutrition and the power to make a real difference in your pet's life, Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the perfect choice.
Blue Buffalo Natural Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food
Best for Food Intolerance
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Dry Cat Food is the perfect solution for your cat's sensitive stomach issues.
This wholesome veterinary diet features real salmon, hydrolyzed to be a readily digestible protein source, which helps minimize the chances your cat will experience adverse reactions to food.
In addition, this formula is also enriched with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to help support your cat's overall health and well-being.
So if you're looking for a dry cat food that will provide your furry friend with all the nutrition they need while also being easy on their tummy, look no further than Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Dry Cat Food!
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
Made with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, this food provides your cat with everything they need to stay healthy and happy.
Plus, it is free of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives. So you can rest assured knowing that your cat is getting the best possible nutrition.
Royal Canine Feline Health Nutrition Dry Cat Food
Best for Sensitive Digestion
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food is formulated specifically for adult cats with digestive tract sensitivities.
Prebiotics and highly digestible proteins support optimal digestive health, while the unique kibble shapes offer maximum appetite appeal.
A higher concentration of nutrients in a small serving size supports healthy digestion and optimal stool.
Dry cat kibble is 100% complete and balanced nutrition and the perfect complement to Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Wet Cat Food formulas.
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
If you've noticed that your cat's stools are runnier than usual and they're making more trips to the litter box, it could be a sign of a sensitive stomach.
Thankfully, there's a food specially formulated to help with digestive sensitivities - Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food.
This nutritious kibble is made with prebiotics and highly digestible proteins to promote healthy digestion and a balanced intestinal tract.
And because it's high in energy density, your cat can eat smaller meals without missing out on the nutrition they need.
Plus, three unique kibble shapes offer maximum appeal at mealtime. So help your feline friend feel their best with Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food.
Our “WOW Factor” Buyer’s Guide
A lot of people are looking for the best cat food for allergies.
The problem is that there are a lot of foods on the market that claim to be good for cats with allergies. It can be hard to figure out which one is really the best for your cat.
We know that you still have questions. No problem. We have the answers. Here are the most frequently asked questions about cat food for allergies and our answers to them.
What food causes the most allergies in cats?
The top eight food allergens for cats are beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, soybean, corn, and wheat. However, any food can potentially cause an allergic reaction in a cat.
How can you tell if your cat has a food allergy?
There are a few ways to tell if your cat has a food allergy, but one of the most telltale signs is if your cat constantly scratches or licks his skin. If you notice your cat doing this more than usual, it's worth investigating whether he may have a food allergy by taking him to the vet.
Other symptoms of food allergies in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and sneezing. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's important to take him to the vet so they can determine whether a food allergy is the cause.
What are cats most commonly allergic to?
Cats can be allergic to a variety of things, but the most common allergens are dust mites, pollen, and foods.
Dust mites are tiny insects that thrive in dusty environments. Many cats become allergic to the feces of dust mites, which contain a protein that is very allergenic.
Pollen is another common allergen for cats and can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Foods are also known to cause allergies in cats. The most common offenders are fish, dairy products, and eggs.
What meat are cats less allergic to?
Cats are less allergic to poultry than they are to red meat. Beef, lamb, and pork all contain a high level of a sugar molecule called Neu5gc, which cats are allergic to. Poultry contains much less of this sugar molecule, so it is less allergenic for cats.
How do you prevent food allergies in cats?
There is no definitive answer to this question since food allergies can develop for a variety of reasons. However, some ways to help reduce the chances of your cat developing food allergies include:
-Feeding your cat a diet that is limited to one or two types of protein, such as chicken or lamb
-Not feeding your cat any table scraps or treats that are not specifically designed for cats
-Avoid giving your cat any kind of medication that contains steroids, which can contribute to the development of food allergies.
If you think your cat may have a food allergy, the best thing to do is to take him to the vet so they can properly diagnose and treat the allergy.
How can I help my cat deal with its allergies?
If you think your cat may have a food allergy, take him to the vet so they can be properly diagnosed and treated.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable.
-Make sure he has access to fresh, clean water at all times to help him stay hydrated.
-If he's scratching a lot, try giving him a colloidal oatmeal bath to soothe his skin.
-Give him small meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal to help avoid gastrointestinal upset.
How can I get rid of my cat's allergies naturally?
There are a few things you can do to help reduce your cat's allergies naturally.
First, make sure your cat is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and can be helpful for cats with allergies. You can give your cat omega-3 supplements, or feed them a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Second, make sure your cat isn't getting too much exposure to allergens. Allergens like dust mites and pollen can aggravate your cat's allergies. Minimize the amount of time your cat spends outside, and try to keep its environment as clean as possible.
Finally, consider giving your cat probiotics. Probiotics can help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health, both of which can be helpful for cats with allergies. You can give your cat probiotics in the form of supplements or by feeding them a diet that is high in probiotics.
Can my cat's allergies go away?
Yes, there is a good chance that your cat's allergies can go away. Allergies are caused when the immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) that it perceives as harmful.
The good news is that with proper treatment, the immune system can be taught to tolerate the allergen, which will then cause the allergy symptoms to go away.
The most common way to treat allergies is through immunotherapy or "allergy shots". Immunotherapy involves giving small doses of the allergen to your pet on a regular basis. This process helps to "teach" the immune system not to overreact when it comes into contact with the allergen. With time and patience, most cats will see a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms.
If you think your cat may have allergies, the best thing to do is to take him to the vet so they can properly diagnose and treat the allergy.
Are cats more allergic to wet or dry food?
There is no definitive answer to this question since cats can be allergic to both wet and dry food. However, the most common type of allergy in cats is a food allergy, and this allergy is most commonly caused by proteins in the diet.
So it's logical to assume that a cat who is allergic to one type of food (either wet or dry) would be likely to also be allergic to the other type of food. Therefore it isn't about whether it is wet or dry food but rather which proteins are in the food itself.
What protein causes my cat's allergies?
There are a few proteins that could potentially cause your cat's allergies. The most common offenders are proteins in meat, dairy products, and eggs.
However, it's also possible for cats to be allergic to plant-based proteins, such as those found in soy or wheat.
If you think your cat might be allergic to a certain protein, the best thing to do is talk to your veterinarian about it. They can help you figure out which protein is causing the allergy and suggest a course of treatment.
Our Best Advice
Looking for the best cat food for allergies? We’ve spent dozens of hours reading thousands of reviews on Amazon from verified customers to find the perfect allergy-free cat food for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, we need to be clear about what kind of allergies we are talking about here. The three main allergies that cats have to deal with are food allergies and allergies from dust mites and pollen. They can also have an allergic reaction to their litter box, but we talk about that in another article. For now, the focus is on food allergies.
Secondly, although there are some general offenders when it comes to food allergies (such as beef, lamb, and pork), the truth is that ALL protein-based foods can be a potential source of allergies. Therefore some testing and experimentation are in order. And just in case you're thinking that your cat can simply go vegan, well it doesn't work like that. Your cat can eat grain-based proteins but they also can be a source of food allergies for your cat.
Thirdly, the issue isn't really the food but rather your cat's inability to tolerate the food. This is generally a digestion-based problem. Some people don't help things when they give their pets table scraps from human food. Some cats can tolerate it well, while others can't. Some people change the cat food protein source on a regular basis (pork to chicken to fish to lamb to ....) and that also doesn't help matters.
Finally, some cats are given steroids as a treatment for something else, but steroids can also cause problems. The solution is to use the same cat food protein source (one that they aren't allergic to obviously), don't feed them table scraps, and avoid steroids like the plague (if possible).
You can deal with the food allergy in a couple of ways. Obviously, you can simply test and experiment to find a protein source that they can handle, and that will solve the problem for now. Another is to provide a good source of probiotics to help deal with digestive problems. Another is to buy cat food that has a special formula to deal with allergens in general (or in specific) depending on your cat's situation.
In general, animal protein is fine and most pet foods have high-quality hypoallergenic food. Some people go for grain-free dry cat food but that is really about a different digestive problem (but still a good idea). The best hypoallergenic cat foods will support your cat's immune system to reduce allergic reactions.
After all, an allergy is simply the immune system attacking something that it perceives as a threat. Teaching the immune system that a particular animal protein is safe is part of immunotherapy and is always an (expensive) option that is available.
Other options are to buy limited-ingredient foods (or provide a limited-ingredient diet overall) so that you can restrict your cat's vulnerability to different protein sources. Assumably, you would be limiting your cat's diet to something you already know that they are not allergic to in the first place. So that plan can work well.
The best hypoallergenic cat foods cannot guarantee that there will be no allergic reactions at all. They don't know your particular cat's situation. Are you dealing with skin allergies or food insensitivities, is it about dry food or animal protein or canned cat food and grain intolerances?
There are simply too many variables and you, as the pet parent, are best suited to manage your cat's diet (always talking to your vet of course). Cat allergies can be tricky to pin down but once you do, simply avoid that source of protein and you should be fine.
Your cat's health isn't just about animal proteins or sensitive skin, of course, but it is amazing how digestion is such a key part of our overall quality of life (both for humans and pets). Cat food allergies can affect sensitive stomachs and coat health and even cause inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Pet owners who engage in this process of creating an elimination diet or food trial with limited ingredient foods, will provide a great service to their sensitive cats.
Many popular cat foods mix so many ingredients together with the overall protein source that you don't know if the problem is the protein or something else. It isn't about whether you are giving your cat wet foods or dry foods. It isn't really about your cat's sensitive skin or sensitive stomach. That is a result, not a cause. Pet food companies normally make food for the masses, not for those cats with potential allergies.
Making sure that your cat has a good source of omega fatty acids (and other amino acids) as well as essential vitamins and probiotics should go without saying. And your cat's food should be high-quality cat food from the get-go.
And, as we said, you should not feed your cat any human table scraps and avoid steroids. Keep their litter box clean and the environment where they sleep relatively free of dust mites and pollen.
There are some well-known hypoallergenic cat food brands that provide interesting solutions such as the royal canin veterinary diet or formulas that include omega fatty acids and essential vitamins and probiotics. But the best hypoallergenic cat food is not necessarily wet food or dry food.
It isn't necessarily grain-free dry cat food either. Grain-free dry cat food is a good idea but for other reasons. It isn't about artificial flavors or artificial preservatives, even though avoiding both is just a good idea. It isn't about canned cat food or freeze-dried food or even grain-free canned cat food. Canned cat food is not the problem (not even grain-free canned cat food).
It isn't even about animal proteins (or grain protein) per se but about how your cat reacts to certain ingredients. Protein foods, skin health, and dry cat foods (or canned food)are all secondary to keeping your cat healthy.
Fish oil, probiotics, and a prescription diet is not the point. Chicken liver (or chicken meal) or hydrolyzed food and a natural balance is great but also not the point. Whether we are talking about indoor cats or outdoor cats makes very little difference.
Allergic cats need some sort of hypoallergenic foods (dry cat foods or canned food). If you have a sensitive cat with sensitive skin, sensitive stomachs, and food sensitivities, the issue is to find the culprit using a limited-ingredient diet and then avoid feeding them that particular food (preferably without any artificial preservatives). Get some veterinary advice of course, but it really is as simple as that.
With all of that being said, it is now time for us to reveal our top choice for the best hypoallergenic cat food. Drum roll, please...
Our #1 WOW Choice (and why)
The Best Allergy-Free Cat Food for YOUR Cat
Our No. #1 WOW Choice for the Best Cat Food for Allergies is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Adult Dry Cat Food for the best overall quality.
This unique formula contains a key protein from eggs that neutralizes Fel D 1, a common allergen in cat saliva. As a result, it reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 percent starting in the third week of feeding.
Salmon provides essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat and this formula is also fortified with probiotics for digestive health.
If you're looking for dry cat food that offers outstanding nutrition and the power to make a real difference in your pet's life, Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the perfect choice.
It certainly has our vote. We hope you agree! Remember to check prices and availability on Amazon by clicking on the red button below the image. As always, the trick is to get started today!
Thanks for stopping by!
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